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Maca is an exceptionally hardy root plant native to the Andean mountain plateaus of Peru. Traditionally, Maca is best known as an adaptogenic plant, which simply means that it balances the body’s response in dealing with all different types of stressors. Adaptogens are among the most useful medicinal herbs, helping individuals to better cope with fatigue, anxiety, stress, depression, and sleep problems. Maca is also amazingly rich in amino acids, phytonutrients, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals.

Maca does not affect human hormones directly. Various studies even show that the herb does not contain plant estrogens or hormones. Rather, it has hormone-normalizing effects, which may be due to the root’s unique nutritional profile. The plant provides optimum levels of nutrients utilized by the body’s endocrine system. This action regulates metabolism, energy levels, growth, sexual development and the sense of well-being and attitude.

More specifically, Maca has been known to nourish and calm the nerves with calcium, phosphorus, vitamins B1 and B12, and fatty acids, all of which work beneficially on the nervous system. At the same time it supports the adrenal glands so they don’t have to rely on damaging corticol steroids to fuel the body. The sterols, calcium, and vitamin C found in Maca help build muscle mass and it contains starches that aid in physical endurance.

Of particular importance to menopausal women is Maca research on the production of sex hormones, enhanced sex drive, stimulation of body metabolism, control of body weight, and increased energy, stress reduction, antidepressant activity, and memory improvement.

Recent research shows that Maca has actually stimulated estradiol levels, suppressed follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and increased HDL. In addition, Maca significantly reduced both the frequency and severity of hot flushes and night sweats. Furthermore, studies on Maca are now showing a significant reduction in psychological symptoms as well, including anxiety, depression, and sexual dysfunction. As such, Maca tends to treat menopausal symptoms as a whole; it doesn’t treat any one specific symptom of menopause (such as hot flashes) alone.

In Peru, Maca flour is used in baking as a base and a flavoring. The supplement industry uses both the dry roots and Maca flour for different types of processing and concentrated extracts. Gelatinized Maca is stronger than powdered root, and is employed for mainly for therapeutic, medicinal and supplement purposes. There is also freeze-dried Maca juice, which is a juice squeezed from the macerated fresh root, and subsequently freeze-dried. Gelatinized Maca can be found at your local health food store. The recommended dose of gelatinized Maca extract is 1,000 mg twice daily.

Homeopathy’s ability to prevent as well as treat epidemic disease was first discovered in 1799 by Samuel Hahnemann, founder of Homeopathy, during an epidemic of scarlet fever in which he successfully use a matching homeopathic remedy to contain its spread in those he treated.

The prophylactic effects of Homeopathy were quickly picked up by other Homeopaths of the day and subsequently used with success in all of the great world epidemics. It is still employed in outbreaks and epidemics today - by people, communities and governments who have retained the knowledge and the will to use it. The following is a collation of some of those instances – historical and current.

Chikungunya

2006: In Kerala, India, a group of doctors distributed a homeopathic preventative for chikungunya. The results of the study showed that while over 73% contracted chikungunya in the unprotected group, only 17% of the protected group contracted the disease. (i)

Cholera

1831: Samuel Hahnemann prevented and treated cholera during the 1831 Asiatic cholera epidemic with three main remedies. Accounts can be read in Cure and Prevention of Asiatic Cholera. (ii)

1849: Dr Clemens von Boenninghausen treated and prevented “untold” numbers of cholera infections with the above remedies recommended by Hahnemann during the 1849 European epidemic. While a death rate of 54-90% occurred with conventional treatment, Boenninghausen’s patients had a mortality rate of only 5-16%.iii

1841-1854: Dr Charge, after producing a statistical table showing the difference in cholera mortality between homeopathic and allopathic treatment at the Convent Refuge at Marseilles, stated that once homeopathy was introduced prophylactically, no further cases were reported. (iv)

Dengue Fever

1996: The Central Council of Research in Homoeopathy reported that a homeoprophylactic was administered to at least 39,200 people in the Delhi area during an epidemic of dengue haemorrhagic fever. The follow-up of 23,520 people, 10 days later, revealed that only 5 people (0.125%) had developed mild symptoms, with the rest showing no signs or symptoms of the disease. v (During epidemics of dengue, attack rates among the susceptible are often 40-50 %, but may reach 80-90 %, World Health Organisation). (vi)

2001: In São Paulo, Brazil in May 2001, a single dose of a homeoprophylactic was given during a dengue outbreak to 40% of residents in the most highly affected neighbourhood. Thereafter, dengue incidence decreased by 81.5%, a highly significant decrease when compared with those neighbourhoods that did not receive homeopathic prophylaxis (p<0.0001). (vii)

2006: A dengue outbreak was controlled by the Cuban Government through the preventative and treatment use of homeopathic remedies. A marked reduction in dengue haemorrhagic fever occurred easing the demand for intensive care beds. (viii)

2007: Between April and September 2007, a homeopathic complex (a combination of homeopathic remedies) was given to 20,000 city residents in São Paulo, Brazil. Unfortunately the trial was aborted prematurely due to national political intervention, but the preliminary findings indicate that homeopathy was effective in the prevention and treatment of the dengue epidemic. (ix)

2008: Facing an outbreak of dengue in early 2007, the Secretary of Health of the county of Macaé, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, carried out a “Homeopathy Campaign against Dengue”. 156,000 doses of a prophylactic complex (a combination of homeopathic remedies) was freely distributed to asymptomatic patients and 129 doses of the ‘genus epidemicus’ (the remedy that matches the characteristic symptoms of the prevailing epidemic) to symptomatic patients within outpatient clinics. The disease incidence in the first three months of 2008 fell 93% in comparison to the corresponding period in 2007. The rest of the untreated state experienced an increase of 128%. (x)

2008 – 2010: An interview with the Secretary of Health responsible for the integrative homeopathy program of the previous paper reported the following: In 2007, facing a dengue epidemic, the city of Macaé, Rio de Janeiro, decided to add a homeopathic medicine to the contingency plan for dengue fever after which the disease incidence in Macaé in 2008 fell by 71% compared to 2007. In the north Fluminense region, which did not receive the prophylactic, there was an increase of 273%, and in the State of Rio de Janeiro, the increase was 315%. In 2011, there was a decrease of 89% of confirmed cases in the protected area in the first quarter compared to the same period in 2010. The prophylactic was freely distributed by the Health Department of Macaé in the years: 2007: 216,000 doses; 2008: 203,878 doses; 2009: 211,059 doses; 2010: 178 677 doses. In terms of lethality and notified dengue cases there was 0.2 in 2007, 0.0 in 2008, 0.1 in 2009 and 0.2 in 2010. In 2010 the agreed lethality target for severe forms in Macaé was 2.58; the municipality reached 0.68, a much lower rate compared to the state and other municipalities. (xi)

2010: The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) and homeopathic doctors used homeoprophylaxis to curb dengue in areas prone to dengue mosquito breeding in Colombo city and its suburbs. (xii)

2012: In Mudurai, India, doctors from the government medical college and hospital dispensed a homeopathic prophylactic to thousands during a dengue fever epidemic. First to receive the remedy were doctors, nurses, hospital staff and students followed by the residents of the city. (xiii)

2012: The Government Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital at Tirumangalam, India, distributed homeoprophylaxis for the prevention of dengue fever at two free camps during an outbreak. (xiv)

2012: The Medical and Health Department of Chittorr, India, distributed homeoprophylactics to 2.5 million people during a dengue fever epidemic following the earlier success of prophylactics distributed for the swine flu epidemic in Kurnool. (xv)

2012: Researchers and doctors from KEM hospital used a homeopathic prophylactic as the genus epidemicus (the remedy that matches the characteristic symptoms of the prevailing epidemic) for the treatment and prevention of dengue fever in Pune, India. (xvi)

2012: The Government Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital at Tirumangalam, India, established more than 30 camps to distribute a homeoprophylactic for dengue fever control during regional outbreaks. (xvii)

2013: AYUSH doctors in Guwahati state, India, used homeopathic remedies to treat and prevent dengue during a local outbreak. The former deputy director of health services and state programme officer of AYUSH advised that the constitutional medicine and nosodes (remedies prepared from a disease component) were among the best preventive medicines for the disease. (xviii)

2014: The Sing Buri province of Thailand reported the lowest incidence of dengue fever of all provinces following the distribution of a homeoprophylactic by the Thai government. If pilot studies in a further seven provinces are equally successful, country-wide implementation of the program will be considered.(xix)

Diphtheria

1932: Laboratory experiments published by Dr Chavanon showed that 45 children became Schick test negative (indicating the presence of antibodies to diphtheria) after being treated with homeoprophylactically. (xx)

1941: The test was repeated by Drs Patterson and Boyd with 23 out of 33 children becoming Schick test negative after being given the prophylactic. (xxi)

1947: Dr Roux repeated the test and produced a similar result. (xxii)

Epidemic Fever

2007: Epidemic fever with the symptoms of: body pain; joint pains; headache; backache, chills, shivering, oedema, vomiting, cough & cold, and skin rashes, spread through Kerala, India. The Government's Rapid Action Epidemic Control Cell - Homeopathy (RAECH) quickly distributed a genus epidemicus remedy (a remedy that matches the characteristic symptoms of the prevailing epidemic). Two months later, they followed up with a study that found the overall percentage of protection offered by the remedy was 76.2% and the average protection rate was 73.83%. The percentage of protection was higher in those who had taken the genus epidemicus properly and the protection rate higher among those who had not taken other medications at the same time. The genus epidemicus, although administered in the prophylactic dose, also had a curative action in those who were already affected by the epidemic; many symptoms were significantly reduced and of shorter duration. There were also fewer post epidemic symptoms, less expense, and a smaller number of work or study days lost. (xxiii)

Hepatitis

1991: Dr Eizayaga of Brazil noted both the curative and preventative effects of a common homeopathic remedy used for many years in the prevention of viral hepatitis. When treating individuals with hepatitis, he would also give their family members and school-mates the prophylactic. None contracted hepatitis in spite of being in close contact. (xxiv)

Influenza and Respiratory Tract Infections

1968: Between 1968-70, a survey conducted in Indian factories and offices compared the results of allopathic (conventional) treatment and homeopathic treatment of influenza. The purpose of this survey was to determine the effectiveness of the nosode (a remedy prepared from a disease component) as a homeopathic preventative (prophylactic). Almost 20% of the patients treated by conventional medical physicians contracted the flu. Among the homeopathically treated patients, only 6.5% came down with the disease. Those who did become ill recovered more rapidly than their allopathically treated patients. The number of working days lost by the allopathically treated patients was nearly eight and a half times greater than those lost by homeopathic patients. (xxv)

2011: Nosodes (remedies prepared from a disease component) or placebo was given for 30 days to 450 children in Brazil to test their effectiveness in preventing flu and acute respiratory infections. Over the next 12 months the incidence of diagnosed acute respiratory infection or flu was 3 times higher in the placebo group than those given the prophylactics. The researchers commented that the low cost of treatment and the absence of adverse effects made these nosodes a useful therapeutic option for the Brazilian Public Health Service. (xxviii)

Japanese Encephalitis

1999 - 2003: Japanese encephalitis had caused significant morbidity and mortality in the state of Andhra Pradesh for several decades. In 1986, a high of 2038 cases with 638 deaths was recorded. Children were especially affected. A small decline in incidence occurred when homeopathic Belladonna was given as a prophylactic to some. When the Government Department of Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy began to systematically distribute prophylactics in 1999 via Public Health Centres, Government Homeopathic Dispensaries, homoeopathic pharmacies and homoeopathic doctors, notifications and mortality dropped to nil by 2003. The prophylactics were dispensed to approximately 20 million children under 15 years of age. (xxix, xxx)

2010: Research from the School of Tropical Medicine, Kolkata, in collaboration with Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (under the Department of AYUSH, Government of India) showed that a homeoprophylactic in a range of potencies, was successful in controlling the virus in infected chick embryos. The placebo had no effect. (xxxi)

Leptospirosis

2007-8: In late 2007, the Cuban government rapidly distributed a homeopathic nosode (a remedy prepared from a disease component) of four leptospirosis strains to 2.3 million people at high risk of infection from an annual leptospirosis epidemic. The remaining population of 8.8 million was untreated. Within weeks, the treated provinces had an 84% decrease in disease incidence while the numbers of those infected in untreated provinces continued at expected historical levels. The intervention was “strongly associated with a drastic reduction of disease incidence resulting in complete control of the epidemic.” The protective effect continued into 2008 with an 84% reduction in leptospirosis cases for the treated areas though no further prophylactic had been given. Leptospirosis infections in untreated areas increased by 22%. (xxxii)

2014: A re-evaluation of the above 2007-8 Cuban leptospirosis intervention was published. It assessed the influence of potential confounders on initial results and concluded that the results supported previous conclusions that homoeoprophylaxis can be used to effectively immunize people against targeted infectious diseases such as leptospirosis. (xxxiii)

Malaria

2003: A malaria trial conducted in Kenya between 2003-2005 used a homeoprophylactic with a group of 33 volunteers. Twenty-one of the volunteers had experienced 1 – 3 malaria episodes in the 18 months prior to the trial. During the trial, one person thought he may have developed malaria but this was not verified by blood test. After a full recovery in a matter of hours, malaria was considered unlikely. All other participants in the trial remained malaria-free. (xxxiv)

2008: At Kendu Bay, Kenya, where malaria is endemic, 34 clients participated in a homeoprophylaxis observational field study. In the 6 months prior to the study, all participants had experienced attacks of malaria or malaria-like symptoms at least once with 71% experiencing malaria or malaria-like symptoms at least once a month or every two weeks. Over the course of the study and use of the prophylactic only 12% (4 out of the 34 respondents) experienced an attack of malaria or malaria-like symptoms. (xxxv)

2011-2013: Chhattisgarh, India is a known endemic area for malaria. Between 2004 -2010 it had an alarming increase in deaths from the disease. Determined to prevent a repeat or worsening in 2011 the Health Minister instructed that a known homeopathic treatment and prophylactic remedy be distributed to 9 areas within the affected state. The results of this initiative were "more than encouraging". Significant protection was achieved with data showing that higher the number of doses of the prophylactic, the lower the number of malaria cases. Those in unprotected areas were 5 times more likely to contract the disease. On the strength of these results the program was expanded to 20 areas in 2012 and 40 areas in 2013. (xxxvi)

2013: Researchers evaluated the efficacy of two homeoprophylactics in combination therapy against lethal murine malaria in mice. The combination of remedies showed significant preventive activity with chemosuppression that was higher than the standard drug, pyrimethamine. It also showed a moderate curative activity with complete clearance of parasites in 50% of surviving mice. The researchers stated, “These findings point to the significant antiplasmodial efficacy of the combination of these homeopathic drugs against Plasmodium berghei.” (xxxvii)

2014: A combination remedy for Plasmodium berghei in mice demonstrated considerable in vivo antimalarial activity and enhanced mean survival time. The authors concluded: “The study establishes the effectiveness of the combination against P. berghei in vivo along with the safety of the drugs to the liver and kidney functions of the host.” (xxxviii)

Meningococcal Disease

1974: During a meningococcal epidemic in Brazil, 18,640 children were immunised homeopathically to protect against meningococcal infection, and 6,340 were not. The following results were obtained:

Based on the infection (attack) rate in the unprotected group, 94 cases of infection could have been expected in the homeopathically protected group. Instead, there were only four cases of meningococcal infection, showing that the homeopathic option was 95% effective against the meningococcal disease. (xxxix)

1998: The results of the first study (above) led to a larger government-funded study, 24 years later. It was conducted by two Professors of Medicine from the University Foundation in Blumenau, Brazil, and a Blumenau specialist physician and Health City Secretary. A total of 65,826 people between the ages of 0–20 were immunised homeopathically to protect against meningococcal disease while 23,532 were not. Over a 12 month period, the following results were obtained:

Based on the infection (attack) rate in the unprotected group, 58 cases of infection could have been expected in the homeopathically protected group. Instead, there were only four cases of meningococcal infection. Statistical analysis showed that homeopathic immunisation offered 95% protection in the first six months and 91% protection over the year against meningococcal disease. (xl)

Pertussis

See ‘Whooping Cough’.

Poliomyelitis

1800s: Dr Grimmer of Chicago treated 5,000 young children with a homeoprophylactic. None developed polio. (xli)

1850: During an epidemic of poliomyelitis, Dr Taylor Smith of Johannesburg, South Africa protected 82 people with a homeoprophylactic. Of these people, 12 came into direct contact with disease. None were infected. (xlii)

1956: In a study between 1956-58, Dr Eisfelder immunized over 6,000 children with a homeoprophylactic. No cases of polio were reported in the group and no side-effects were observed. (xliii)

1957: A severe poliomyelitis epidemic occurred in Buenos Aires. The majority of homoeopathic doctors prescribed a known homeoprophylactic as a preventative. Drug stores distributed thousands of doses to the public. None of who used the prophylactic registered a case of contagion. (xliv)

1975: During another poliomyelitis epidemic in Buenos Aires, 40,000 were given a known homeoprophylactic for the disease. None developed poliomyelitis. (xlv)

Scarlet Fever

1799: Homeoprophylaxis was born during an epidemic of Scarlet Fever in Germany. In 1799 Samuel Hahnemann, founder of Homeopathy, discovered during an epidemic that a homeopathic remedy prevented Scarlet Fever in that particular epidemic if given to people before exposure. (xlvi)

1799: Following Hahnemann’s example (above), another eleven medical doctors prescribed that remedy during the same epidemic. They reported that of 1,646 children exposed to scarlet fever after being given the prophylactic, only 123 (7.4%) developed symptoms of infection. In contrast, the infection rate in those who did not receive the prophylactic was as high as 90%. (xlvii)

1838: The Prussian Government ordered the use of the prophylactic during all scarlet fever epidemics after a report from their protomedicus, Hufeland, showed it to be an effective prophylactic. (xlviii)

Smallpox

1800s: Clemens von Boenninghausen (1785-1864) used a common homeopathic remedy in both the treatment and prevention of smallpox during an epidemic. When given to uninfected family members of households with members already sick with the disease, none went on to contract it. (xlix)

1902: Dr Eaton reported that during a smallpox epidemic in Iowa, 2806 patients were treated prophylactically with a nosode (a remedy prepared from a disease component). Of the 547 patients definitely exposed, only 14 developed the disease. The protection rate from these numbers was 97%. (l)

1967: Dr Dorothy Shepherd provides several accounts of whooping cough prophylaxis by a nosode (a remedy prepared from a disease component). The following is one example: “Personally I have always used for years and years in whooping cough its own nosode, (…), which Dr John Clarke recommended so strongly in his monograph (...) has given me 100% protection even though it raged in a particular district; all the children on (…), either on the 12th or 30th potency, given daily, escaped it. I used it for years in the nurseries, in my private practice, in the medical clinic, and in hundreds of cases in various epidemics we went through, and truly it is a great remedy.” (liii)

1987: A pilot study on whooping cough prophylaxis conducted by Dr J. English reported a reduction in whooping cough by a factor of approximately one in three when compared to the incidence of whooping cough in a similar but unprotected group. (liv)

1987: A small clinical trial on prophylaxis with a nosode (a remedy prepared from a disease component) by Dr A. Fox over a five-year period received 61 parent responses in which 5% of children definitely contracted whooping cough and 82% remained whooping cough free (the other 13% developed undiagnosed coughs). The prophylaxis was well tolerated with 67% of parents rating its effectiveness as "very good". (lv)

2004: Dr Golden compared the pertussis attack rate between unimmunised children and those given the whooping cough prophylactic during his 15-year study. From this he was able to determine efficacy. The unimmunised had an attack rate of 85% while the homeopathically protected group had an attack rate of 11.7%, producing a figure of efficacy of 86.2%. (lvi)

2012: In an Irish trial involving 112 children 1 -2 months of age, those given homeoprophylactics for childhood diseases, including whooping cough, were less likely to experience severe symptoms of the diseases if contracted than the vaccinated comparison group. (lvii)

xxv Krishnamurty, Report on the use of Influenzinum during the outbreak of epidemic in India in 1968. Hahnemannian Gleanings 1970;37:225-6.

xxvi Glatthaar-Saalmuller B (2007). In vitro evaluation of the antiviral effects of the homeopathic preparation Gripp-Heel on selected respiratory viruses. Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology; 85(11): 1084-1090.

li Glatthaar-Saalmuller B (2007). In vitro evaluation of the antiviral effects of the homeopathic preparation Gripp-Heel on selected respiratory viruses. Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology; 85(11): 1084-1090.

I don't know about your family but around here it starts with, "Mom, Billy at school has to go home today, he had a fever and barfed in the hallway, am I going to get it?" Now as a homeopath I still cringe and think "oh no, not in my house, not now" or "I guess I am just one Flu away from my goal weight" wink, wink!

So what do you do?

What do you have at home?

What should you have in your medicine closet?

November to March, the height of the flu season, you will hear "Get your Flu shot" Do not fall prey to this marketing scheme. Remember these were the treatments of the day... Or as we say around here, "I was duped, I took it in the rears" Like my photo joke? anyhow...

Children and adults, friend and foe alike, will come down the characteristic muscle aches, fever, and exhaustion. Increasingly, parents are looking to avoid flu vaccines, and many turn to homeopathy instead. Because homeopathic remedies are prescribed to the specific set of symptoms rather than a broadly labeled condition, you do not need to worry about whether you are confusing cold or flu: homeopathy will treat the symptoms as they present. Around our house the minute flu season begins we take our homeoprophylaxis .

General Prevention and Home Treatments During the Flu Season, You can help yourself and your loved ones!

Although the flu can’t always be avoided, the following measures can aid in preventing and treating symptoms:

Let the fever run it's course safely and monitored

• Get plenty of rest. During the holiday season this can be more difficult, but lack of sleep makes us vulnerable to getting sick.

• Dress warmly in layers, and cover the feet. “Warmth supports all healing. Loss of warmth often leads to illness,” write the Wellness Nurses of the Los Angeles Alliance for Childhood. They continue, “The addition of warmth maintains health in a well person, and supports healing in a sick one.” Both children and adults should wear thin layers of natural fabrics especially in the cooler months. In the colder climates, hats should be worn outside.

• Drink, Drink, Drink! Give herb tea, vegetable broths, Bone broth and unsweetened (diluted) juice. The broths and teas especially help thin the mucous and clear the body. Ginger tea (heat several slices of fresh ginger in three cups of water for ten minutes) or a natural cold and flu tonic (2-5 T apple cider vinegar, 1 cup of hot water, 1-2 T honey, maple syrup or unrefined sweetener, dash of cayenne pepper to taste) can be soothing and therapeutic.

• During illness it is not uncommon for your child to lose her appetite. If your child does not want to eat, don’t force it. During acute illnesses, your child’s immune system and body is occupied more with fighting the bug and eliminating toxins. For this reason, liquid diet is more important, so the body does not have to expend energy digesting food, especially protein (meat, fish, legumes, nuts, eggs, and dairy). In addition to avoiding protein, it is best to steer clear of sweets and dairy. Refined sugar compromises the immune system and dairy thickens mucus secretion. When introducing solids, begin with lightly steamed vegetables, grains, healthy crackers, and fruit.

• Garlic is an antibacterial – eat plenty of it.

• Wash hands frequently to minimize spread of germs.

• "Influenzinum" is a homeopathic remedy that has been used in Europe for years during the flu season to prevent flu symptoms. Every year the World Health Organization predicts which flu viruses are most likely to infect and cause flu symptoms. Based on this information, the homeopathic solution is reformulated year to year to help prepare the body during the flu season. This is the same virus that is used by the flu shot companies, however, the homeopathic preparation is natural, easy to use, and contains no mercury, no chemicals at all! This is what we use at home and what I recommend to the families in my practice use it during the flu season as a preventative with great results.

Gemmotherapy• Briar Rose is a gemmotherapy herb that is useful for many conditions in children, especially infections of the ear, nose and throat. I use it two to three times a week during the flu season as a preventative, and twice a day while sick. It can be used in conjunction with homeopathy and all other medicines.

• Black Currant, also gemmotherapy, is an excellent remedy for strengthening the constitution during the winter months, especially for adults. It stimulates the adrenals and is good for stress and fatigue. Also for adults, Common Birch targets the cleansing of the liver and other organ systems. It is known as the universal drainer and is an excellent general remedy for strengthening the immune system.

• Echinacea (for children) can also be taken by nursing mothers to help boost the immune system. Echinacea can be taken for prevention purposes during the winter season two weeks on and two weeks off, or at the first sign of an illness. • Vitamin C for children is good for strengthening of the immune system. Lots of it, and if you can get liposomal C it's easier on the tummy

• Anise and Mullein, in tea form, are both natural expectorants.

• Elderberry flower is known for its natural antiviral properties and immune system support against the cold and flu. • Lavender, in essential oil form, is known for its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Packaged commercially for children, lavender aromatherapy bath can help soothe coughs, sore muscles, and calm the nerves.

• Breastmilk can be used to treat stuffy nose and red eyes. It has antibacterial properties and can be squirted directly in the eye or nose. A few drops of expressed breastmilk can be placed in the affected area with a dropper

• Bring out the hot water bottlefor aches, chills, and general comfort. The Wellness Nurses suggest filling a hot water bottle half way with hot water. Carefully press any remaining air out, keep the bottle flat and light and cover it in thick flannel to protect the skin from burns. A hot water bottle is meant to be soothing and warming. It should not be too hot to the touch. If hands and feet are cooler than the belly, warm them first. If your child’s face is flushed, use the bottle at the feet. For chest congestion, place it by the chest. Use as needed during illness.

• Keep your child home if he or she is ill.

• Mullein oil and garlic ear drops for earaches.

• Applications and compresses:

Lemon compress for fever

Potatoes poultices around throat and chest are an excellent source for moist heat and retain temperature longer than a hot water bottle. Potato is useful for headaches, neckache, muscle pain, and chilliness.

During an acute illness like the flu, your child will often be very precise in what gives him or her relief. Satisfy your child's cravings - within reason. You may hear, "I want a popsicle, “Don't leave me alone,” or "I'm not hungry," According to Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, father of homeopathy, "Acutely ill patients rarely crave things that obstruct their cure."

Homeopathic RemediesThe following is a list of commonly used remedies for children and adults during the flu season. When prescribing, be sure to note your child’s symptoms before reaching for a remedy. Subtle differences in behavior can lead you to the correct remedy.

Remedies for the Flu• Oscillococcinum is useful for all types of flu, especially in the earlier stages. Many of my patients claim that Oscillo greatly shortened the duration of the flu. It can be used for both children and adults.• Bryonia alba flu symptoms are characterized by muscles aches that hurt with movement and dryness of the throat and mouth, accompanied with an intense thirst for cold drinks. The child is cranky and likely to say, “Don’t touch me.”• Eupatorium perfoliatum is excellent for flu symptoms with a deep ache in the bones, as if the “bones are broken.” It hurts to move, including moving the eyeballs.• Ferrum phosphoricum is indicated for early flu symptoms with high fever and weakness. The cheeks are flushed and there can be headache, sensitivity to light, and bloody nose with the fever. The child who responds to Ferrum phos can have complaints that are worse on the right side, worse from being touched, and worse from four to six in the morning. They feel better with cold applications. Often there are no other specific local symptoms. • Gelsemium sempervirens is for the classic flu symptoms of dizziness, weakness, and fatigue. The Gelsemium patient is not thirsty and wants to lie down and be left alone. The body feels heavy, any motion is an effort, and even the eyelids droop. • A child who would benefit from Rhus toxicodenron (Rhus tox) has different symptom picture than Bryonia. Rhus tox is also good for muscle aches with stiffness, but the child is restless and fidgety.

Last and very important:

Have a Naturopath and a Homeopath. Have someone who will take your calls and answer your questions. You can always call us 8186945199...we handle acute situations:

http://theartofcure.net/pages/homeopathic-consultations/

Snuggle up and love on one another, as we say around here "Love can cure the worse of things"

Between the scary movies, costume choices and candy selection, what kid wouldn't be sleepless, over-stimulated and keyed up this month? This week's blog addresses simple homeopathic solutions for calming kids, taming ghosts and soothing the effects of Halloween candy so you can have a hauntingly good time this Halloween!

Sleep #173 – Offers targeted natural support to help promote sleep and sooth effects of occasional nightmares. As always with homeopathy, there are no groggy side effects - just a gentle nudge to tell nerves they can calm down.

Homeopathic Ingredients:

Avena sativa - The remedy derived from the common oat helps when we feel ‘too tired to sleep’ after a day of mental exertion or worry, or when drained by illness, fatigue or alcohol consumption.

Kali phos - The nerve nutrient cell salt restores calm and composure to over-stressed, restless or emotional nervous systems, as well as effects of minor injuries.

Passiflora - Though its name is passionflower, this remedy is known for its ability to bring on sweet dreams when the day’s passions are past.

Rescue Remedy – Quickly encourages a positive, calm attitude in stressful situations of all kinds. This combination of Bach Flower Remedies is especially beneficial when you find yourself in traumatic situations, such as, stress, emergencies, after getting bad news, before an exam or job interview and all other situations where we suddenly lose balance mentally. The Remedies quickly get us back in our normal balance so that we calmly can deal with any situation.

Baby's are just as susceptible to the tensions and spooky sounds surrounding Halloween.

Is it teething time, fear-induced or just fussy baby time? With singles that can calm irritability, occasional sleeplessness, restlessness and minor irritations, these quick-dissolving tablets bring natural relief to baby and everyone else in the house. Specially formulated for babies as young as 6 months.

Just when you think you've made it through the newborn period with it's fussiness and colic-like symptoms, you discover that teething waits right around the corner. By around 6 months many infants have begun to teeth and some may even have their first teeth. For others, it can take months. The lists of symptoms sometime unrecognized by M.D's are:

Painful swollen gums

drooling

diarrhea

Fever

Irritability

increased nursing

fussiness

difficulty sleeping

Lets explore some of these Facts & Myths

FACT: Fever and Teething. It has always been believed for fever to be directly connected to teething. This phenomenon is best explained this way: teething involves the emergence or eruption of the teeth through the gums or soft tissue. While this happens, the gums may become tender, swollen and inflamed. As a reaction to inflammation, the body will bring about automatic defense mechanism and so cause the rise in temperature. As a parent, you shouldn’t be quick to accept fever as a result of teething because it may be something more serious. Monitor temperature hike and report prolonged fevers right away.

MYTH: Brandy. Are you seriously okay about allowing your child to ingest alcohol, let alone something as strong as brandy? It is believed that it can bring some relief but before you resort to this, there are more effective means to try, that are safer and more acceptable for a child. Any amount of alcohol is dangerous and considered poisonous to a child, so keep the brandy well far away.

FACT: Teething and Diaper Rash. Teething can cause excessive drooling and as more drool or saliva is taken into the body than usual, it may cause diarrhea.

Sometimes teething with all it's symptoms can render an infant susceptible to becoming sick. Standard treatment for teething includes topical pain medicines that temporarily numb the gums. Sometimes the topical may touch the throat interfering with the gag reflex, which is one reason why many parents prefer to avoid this medicine altogether.

Homeopathy can work wonders on little ones with teething discomfort. I prefer Camilia (Made by Boiron). Other natural remedies are also very effective.

Cold objects and gentle pressure

massage on the gums with a clean finger

chilled washcloth

rubber tipped spoon, chilled teething ring, or biscuits to bite on.

Many families have now discovered the wonders of Baltic Amber. We here at The Art of Cure want to help families get fast, natural relief!

The trash. That’s where the FDA’s newest press release on homeopathic teething tablets found itself. In fact, I had such a hard time keeping track of the circular reasoning and inconsistencies in their release, that I had to read it twice. Then I laughed. Then I cried (but mostly laughed). And then, I felt the need to set the record straight because a whole lot of moms are going to toss-up and freak out over a whole lot of nothing.

As a mom of five, I like to make decisions based on facts, science, and common sense. The last thing I’m going to do is throw out something that works for my kids and my life (and quite frankly, millions of other parents since 1945) because of some off-the-cuff propaganda that’s got an agenda.

So, before you do something crazy and throw out your lifeline of “homeopathy doesn’t work and it’s dangerous” teething tablets, allow me the pleasure of breaking down the stupidest press release I’ve ever read, from an organization I wouldn’t trust the cat I don’t have with (let alone my children):

Red Flag #1

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers that homeopathic teething tablets and gels may pose a risk to infants and children. They didn’t say what these risks are, because … let’s be clear, they admitted in their statement that they have no idea. So, they planted the idea that a group of symptoms that could be attributed to any number of things – could be caused by your child’s teething tablets.

Clever phrasing, but does that mean homeopathic teething tablets cause any of these things? No, it does not. Did the FDA cite any scientific study to support its position? No, it didn’t. Was its statement based on facts and science – the “gold” standard the FDA supposedly adheres itself to? Of course not … unless you count the unsubstantiated report(s) that made up the a prior safety alert from 2010, forming the basis of whatever it is you call this.

That’s SIX years ago people. A safety alert from 2010 that was so legit, they never got around to looking into it until now.

Red Flag #2

The FDA’s original beef was that these teething tablets are manufactured to contain a small amount of belladonna, a substance that can cause harm at larger doses; yet the amount of belladonna in a teething tablet is minuscule and there is NO scientific link between these tablets and seizures, just like there’s no scientific link between staring at an ice cube, and turning into Elsa from Frozen.

According to Hyland (which knows far more about homeopathy than the FDA), a 10-pound kid would have to ingest more than a dozen bottles of teething tablets to experience even a symptom like dry mouth. There’s 0.0000000000002 mg of belladonna alkaloids in a baby teething tablet (about two trillionths of a milligram in each tablet), which is thousands of times below what is commonly prescribed in conventional medicines, like anti-spasmodics.

So let me get this straight, I’m supposed to freak out over two trillionths of a milligram of belladonna and not think twice about injecting hazardous wastes, carcinogens, and neurotoxins at far greater levels, on a schedule that has never been tested for safety or efficacy, into my children?

I can buy Tylenol (which the FDA was also wrong about) like it aint’ no thing, drown my kids in antibiotics, and give them water to drink each morning with a side of poison (fluoride), but I should throw out my teeny, tiny, never-been-proven-harmful teething tablets? Say what?

Speaking of water, do you know what else can cause harm if you take too much? Some good, quality, H2O.

Red Flag #3

While we’re talking about the FDA trying to pull a fast one, do you know what is linked to seizures during those terrible teething years? Vaccines. I can’t make this stuff up. It’s all right there in the studies, package inserts nobody reads, and in the database that stores all of the reported adverse events the FDA pretends doesn’t exist (because they’re super busy trying to create one for homeopathic baby teething tablets). You know what else can cause seizures? Fevers caused by the illnesses that vaccines induce.

It’s ironic that they’re training parents to think “teething tablets” when they witness a seizure, dry mouth, or constipation, instead of the most obvious causes like vaccines, vaccine-induced fevers, and dehydration. Yes, the rise in childhood disorders has been solved: It was the teething tablets all along … or at least it will be since they’re finally testing samples of a formula that Hyland actually CHANGED in 2011 (since the cited 2010 safety alert) to “manufacture” a link that doesn’t exist.

They already know they won’t find anything suspicious, which is why they hurt the bottom line of a successful company and scared millions of mothers everywhere away from something that is safe when used properly and might actually work.

Fear … it gets us every time.

Red Flag #4

And let’s not forget, the FDA made the bold claim that teething can be managed without prescription or over-the-counter remedies, while giving no alternatives, straight up stated they haven’t evaluated the teething tablets before literally destroying a business and the sleep-filled nights of infants and mothers everywhere, and made it oh-so-easy to report a potential adverse reaction to a teething tablet. But that’s red flag #5.

Is there a new pharmaceutical something in the pipeline to help teething babies? You tell me.

Red Flag #5

The FDA practically begged physicians to file a report for all things teething tablets. Seriously, they give you the form, several ways to submit it, and a fax number. They practically filled it out for you. If that’s not suspect of a witch hunt … I don’t know what is.

If a parent brings their kid in for seizures or any other symptom, the first question should be: “Was your child recently vaccinated?” This makes the most logical sense since homeopathy has been used for over 200 years and is associated with almost zero side-effects, unlike vaccines.

Red Flag #6

The FDA acts like homeopathy is some rogue version of woo, but it’s actually regulated by its own agency. Homeopathic products have to comply with the FDA’s labeling requirements (21 CFR §201), must be manufactured in accordance with Current Good Manufacturing Practices (21 CFR §210 and §211), must register with the FDA, and manufacturers must comply with FDA inspections and report any serious reactions as a matter of course.

It’s funny that the press release called out Hyland for indicating that their product is intended to relieve teething symptoms in children, because their own agency requires that OTC homeopathic medicines list a therapeutic indication on the product label. Hello? Anyone?

Should you throw out your teething tablets?

I can’t tell you what to do, but I’m not throwing out my teething tablets (or my essential oils, which have zero medicinal properties whatsoever). I’ve read Hyland’s own 411 on their teething tablets and I’m not a fan of pretending that a company is guilty of a crime it hasn’t committed or that it’s product is dangerous when the evidence doesn’t support that.

I expect a little something more than an issued press release that tells me to dispose of something that may cause nothing, based on a six-year-old hunch that it could cause something it doesn’t, and a solicitation to submit a report if my child has a seizure, so they can manufacture a connection to take the heat off of what we all know is actually causing them.

I saw right through that press release. Chances are, if you read it twice … you will too.

Sheri Vettel

Sheri Vettel is a Registered Dietitian mama living in Greensboro, North Carolina. She is a strong advocate of getting kiddos to eat their veggies and is the owner of her own small veggie-inspired t-shirt biz, Living on the Veg Tees. She discovered her passion for writing immediately after starting a blog for her now toddler son. She wears many hats and has several hobbies and passions including increasing food access in her community, hula hoop dancing, yoga, traveling, eating nutritiously delicious food, and enjoying lots and lots of coffee and laughter.

Thymuline is a homeopathic remedy for immune system support. Thymuline boosts immunity during the change of seasons, periods of stress, and in case of slow or difficult recovery from illness. Throughout fall and winter, Thymuline and Influenzinum form the best natural flu protection package recommended by complementary and alternative health practitioners. During allergy season, Thymuline supports the health of mucous membranes and bronchial tubes. Thymuline helps boost the immune system, fight viral and bacterial agents, prevent and alleviate respiratory diseases such as the cold, flu, sinusitis, and bronchitis,

Help your body get and stay strong naturally. Say no to the side effects of conventional flu vaccinations and avoid allergy shots. Opt for natural flu prevention and homeopathic allergy therapy! Also see Influenzinum 9C for increased flu protection. See Allergy Escape and Asthma Relief for side-effect-free allergy treatments.

More Information:

The thymus gland is the central organ of your immune system. It lies between the breastbone and the heart. The thymus is responsible for producing white blood cells, which defend us against many types of infections, and hormones that enhance our overall immune system.

A healthy person is able to fend off disease-producing agents. However, when our immune system becomes deficient due to stress, exhaustion, poor diet, or chronic illness, viruses and bacteria are entering – via inhalation or ingestion – into the bloodstream.

Homeopathically prepared Thymuline supports the function of the Thymus and naturally boosts the immune system. Thymuline is especially beneficial when suffering from excess mucus or bronchial problems during cold, flu and allergy season. It is highly recommended when feeling under the weather or weakened by exhaustion and promotes general healing in case of a prolonged recovery period from a difficult illness.

Together, Thymuline and Influenzinum 9C form the best natural flu protection kit and flu shot alternative recommended by complementary and alternative healthcare professionals.

Directions

Turn tube upside down. Twist cap to break the seal, or peel off the small portion of the label along the perforated line. Hold tube vertically and keep twisting cap to release the desired number of pellets.

Using clear cap, place 3 pellets to dissolve under your tongue once a week during fall and winter months, allergy season, or as needed when symptoms occur. Use year-round for general immune support. Take away from food or drinks. To preserve purity avoid touching pellets with fingers.

This article was written by my boys pediatrician: I post this in her memory. Thank you Dr. Lauren Feder for inspiring me to be a homeopath.

by Lauren Feder, MD

When I was growing up, my mother took the doctor’s advice and always gave us medicine at the first sign of a fever. Today, an increasing number of physicians advocate a different approach to fevers that recognizes the body's own natural healing capabilities. Still, many parents feel panicked when they find their child has a temperature, and will schedule a physician’s visit or run to the emergency room when homeopathy and simple home treatments will alleviate a good deal of the child’s discomfort. For my own children as well as my patients, I follow some basic guidelines for determining the severity of a fever and the treatment options. While a fever can sometimes require a doctor’s attention, in many instances home remedies will allow your child to heal naturally and comfortably.

Why do we have fevers?A fever is a valuable defense mechanism that indicates the body’s immune system is stimulated by an infection or other illness. The fever and its accompanying symptoms, while annoying, are vital in helping to strengthen the immune system and ward off future infection. Fever is often accompanied with a faster pulse, more rapid breathing, and flushed skin. Your child may feel hot, have chills, or sweat, and mood changes, ranging from listlessness to irritability, are not uncommon.

Care and Remedies Although there are many remedies for fevers, I will cover just a few of the more commonly used ones. When your child has a fever, find the remedy that matches his or her symptoms best. Before self-treating a high temperature, familiarize yourself with your practitioner’s guidelines regarding fevers, and don't forget about the good, old-fashioned sponge bath! While the standard approach recommends fever reducers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, I usually prefer to use natural remedies before conventional medications, which can impact the immune system and slow the healing process. Aspirin should not be used in children.

Warmth: Assess your child’s condition and temperature. Place your hand on her forehead, belly, arms and legs, and compare warm and cool areas. For cooler areas such as the legs and feet, warm them up with a hot water bottle to help disperse the heat away from the head. Diet: Simple vegetable and chicken broths, room temperature water, and warm tea can be soothing. Avoid dairy, protein, refined sugars, and heavy foods. During a fever, avoid protein, as your child expends much energy for a healthy immune response, and protein in the diet requires energy for digestion. Lemon Compress: For high fevers, use a lemon compress wrapped around calf and foot. The lemon will cool and balance temperature throughout the body. If wrap dries quickly repeat every 15 to 30 minutes.

Homeopathic RemediesAconitum napellus (Aconite) is useful for the early stages of an intense fever that comes on suddenly. Often the person goes out on a windy day and, a short time later, comes down with a fever. Aconite will typically be effective for a fever that's accompanied by anxiety, restlessness, and a thirst for cold drinks.

Belladonna is also useful during the early stages of a sudden fever. However, a person who responds to Belladonna radiates heat and may have a flushed face and a throbbing feeling, as well as delirium and a lack of thirst. The head is hot, and the arms and legs cold. If your child’s symptoms are not distinct, Belladonna is the most common remedy for a simple fever (one without other symptoms).

Chamomilla can be helpful for the fevers that often accompany an infant's teething misery. Chamomilla is for the child who is very irritable and difficult to please. Often one of his or her cheeks appears red, the other pale, and the child's fever becomes worse at night.

Gelsemium is good for a child who is trembling with chills and wants to be cuddled. He or she looks exhausted with drooping eyelids, and may be dizzy with generalized achiness. Gelsemium is a common flu remedy.

Phosphorus is useful for the child with chills and sweats during the night, and cold limbs. He or she characteristically craves ice cold drinks despite being chilly and is often quite hungry.

GemmotherapyBriar Rose is an excellent all-around children’s remedy. It is useful for strengthening the immune system during a fever.

Your finally getting into the groove of being a new mom or maybe you've even done this before, then you remember the newborn period with all the fussiness, colic-like symptoms, and then you then discover or remember "TEETHING" is right around the corner. UGH! Around 5-6 months of age many infants start teething. You may notice these symptoms: painful swollen gums, drooling, diarrhea, fever, irritability, increased nursing, fussiness and difficulty sleeping. Your little baby will want to put anything in their mouth to get relief. Symptoms of a runny nose and fevers higher than 101 are traditionally not associated with teething according to most practitioners. However, I believe that teething with all it's symptoms can render a infant susceptible to becoming sick. So here are a few things you can do for your baby as well as some answers to frequently asked questions.

Your Amber Questions Answered

Often people have so many questions Amber Teething Necklaces and Bracelets that come up frequently from our customers. The Art of Cure hopes you find the answer you are looking for below.

Q. What is Amber?A. Amber is the fossilized resin of trees. 60-90 million years ago. Ours comes from the Baltic region.

Q. What is Baltic Amber?A. This is amber from areas around the Baltic Sea in Europe. Baltic Amber is the only type of amber you should use for healing. It contains the highest percentage of succinic acid. Which is the main component in amber that makes it work

Q. What do you do with it?A. It is worn against the skin. The warmth of the skin against the amber will allow the body to absorb the healing element in amber. Best results will be had if it is worn 24/7. If you are worried about nighttime, we suggest wearing it around an ankle at night or use a bracelet.

Q. What can it help with?A. It can reduce inflammation, clear red cheeks, ease pain, reduce drooling, and boost immunity. Irritability can be reduced and a better nights sleeps can be had. You should notice a calmer, and happier disposition. You also might notice that teething pain dissipates altogether.

Q. How does it help?A. Amber contains succinic acid. This is a substance that is found in nature and in our bodies (in much smaller amounts than Baltic amber). Succinic acid acts as an anti-inflammatory and an analgesic. Succinite is recognized by the medical world and is chemically manufactured today by the pharmaceutical industry for use in immune system medications among many applications. The healing benefit of Amber has been known about since ancient times. Amber Teething Necklaces have been used throughout Europe for generations.

Q. Do you chew it?A. No, it is not to be chewed. In fact the amber might break if it is put in the mouth so the wearer should be supervised. The necklaces we sell are mostly 12-12.5 in length and should be tucked under clothing. Worn snug but not tight.

Q. What will happen if it gets pulled?A. Our products are threaded on silk. If they are pulled hard or caught in something, they will break. If they do break, only one bead will come loose because they are knotted between each bead. We also have had C.P.S.C. (Childrens product safety commission) tension testing done to help with safety concerns.

Q. What happens if a bead is swallowed?A. The amber beads we sell are small enough to simply pass through the system without harming baby. They are about the size of a small pea

Q. Should you see an effect immediately?A. In my own experience it took a few days to notice the effect. Most people have their own personal experiences.

Q. How should I clean it?A. Just dip in warm water and rub dry with a soft cloth. Plain water will not harm the amber but washing agents/detergents may so take it off while in the bath or swimming pool. Do not let your amber come in contact with hot water.

Q. Why are they different colors and shapes?A. Amber comes from nature in a range of colors from transparent through the color spectrum to black. It comes naturally in different sizes and shapes. You can choose which you think will look best. The choice is purely aesthetic. Because amber is natural, every product is unique and different. We suggest you buy what you like the best and are most attracted to.

Q. How do I know if it is genuine Amber?A. We here at www.theartofcure.net buy only from reputable suppliers directly from the Baltic area. We test all our deliveries to ensure it is genuine amber. It is not in our interest to sell anything other than genuine Baltic amber because we want you to be happy. We also offer legal testing documents upon request to see the FTIR analysis.

Q. Can adults use amber for healing?A. Amber can be helpful to adults for many complaints such as headaches, rheumatism, insomnia, thyroid problems, throat problems, ear problems. We have a awesome collection of adult necklaces and bracelets.

There are also homeopathic remedies which can be quite helpful.

Belladonna: Teething with a sudden fever, red face, swollen gums and the mouth is hot and dry. Your baby may want to bite on objects and may fidget at night

Calcarea Carbonica: This is for the chubby baby who gets clammy and sweaty especially at night. They may have teething delays and then when the teeth do come in it's quite painful. They may also lean towards being constipated.

Calcarea Phosphorica: This is the the baby that wants to be carried, and is more whiny and irritable than in the calcarea carbonica child. They may also seem to experience growing pains as well.

Chamomilla: Them most common remedy for teething. Typical indications are swollen gums. One side of the face flushed, angry and irritable, impatient and contrary and often inconsolable frequesntly crying, screaming, and not getting very much sleep. They may ask for a toy and then promptly trow it away, and they are much relieved by being carried and rocked. If you see green stools (like spinach) in their diaper, his remedy will be very helpful.

Here are a few videos on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dX1B2PDpps

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7Kz47dvxJU

So what about you? Have you tried using an amber teething necklace with your baby? Have they worked for you or have you noticed a marked difference for your baby? Share your experiences or questions in the comments below!